44 
A Yorksliirc Aiiar\\ 
A Yorhsliire Aviary. 
By H. Carr Walkkr. 
A few notes on tlie results of foreign bird-keeping in .1 
cold northern aviary may be interesting. 
At the end of 1014 1 brought ten or a dozen pairs of 
finches from Australia, and built an outside aviary for their 
accommodation — wooden shelter 12ft. x 8ft. x 8ft., and flight 
of same dimensions. 
The first winter the birds were housed in the shelter with 
artificial heat; the second winter no heat was given. 
This winter the birds are left out in the flight, as in the 
sunmier, except that they are fed only in the shelter. My 
experience is that artificial heat is detrimental to the birds, and 
that fresh air is more necessary to their well being. The losses 
of birds were greater with than without heat. 
The following species of birds have been kept here under 
these conditions : 
FiNCHKS : Zebra, Chestnut-breasted, Bicheno, Parson, 
Long-tailed Grass. Cuban, Olive, I\ose, Ribbon, and Saffron. 
Waxbills : Blue-breasted, Avadavats, Golden-breasted, 
St. Helena, African, and Bar-breasted Firefinches (Lagonosticta 
rufopicta). 
Whydahs ; Paradise, Pin-tail, and Long-tailed. These 
will not winter outside. 
Weavers : Many species. 
Mannikins, Indigo Buntings, Budgerigars, Doves, and 
Quail. 
It is a mistake to have too much cover growing in the 
flight as, in my experience, it makes the birds shy and wild, and 
they are rarely visible. > 
Ribbon Finches, Zebra Finches, Budgerigars, Cape 
Canaries, Olive Finches, and Redpolls have bred very freely. 
Last season an African Silverbill mated with a Spice 
ImucIi and reared three fine young hybrids. They have the 
Silverbill shape and Spice Finch colouring. 
